In the vibrant world of English football, chants are the heartbeat of the stands, and ‘E-I-E-I-E-I-O Up the Football League We Go’ is a classic you’ll hear belted out across the country.
This chant is universally adopted by clubs excelling in the Football League, the three divisions that form the foundation of the English football pyramid beneath the illustrious Premier League.
‘E-I-E-I-E-I-O Up the Football League We Go’ song lyrics
The chant normally goes something like this, with twists depending on the team in the last two lines – usually referencing the club and the manager:
E-I-E-I-E-I-O
Up the football league we go
When we win promotion
This is what we sing
We are [insert name of team]
[Insert name of manager] is our king
Example from Huddersfield in 2017:
E-I-E-I-E-I-O
Up the football league we go
When we win promotion
This is what we sing
We are Hudders, we are Hudders
Wagner is our king
E-I-E-I-E-I-O Up the Football League We Go chant video
What tune is the chant sung to?
The chant is sung to the tune of ‘Knees Up Mother Brown’ which is a song associated with Cockney culture. This means it’s possible it originated with a London club – possibly West Ham.
What’s the history of the E-I-E-I-E-I-O Up the Football League We Go song?
As mentioned above, the song is associated with ‘Knees Up Mother Brown’, and so may have originated from an east London club. That said, it was first heard in the terraces decades ago and has been adopted by teams across the country. It has since become synonymous with the thrill of promotion through the Football League.
Its simplicity allows for easy adaptation by fans, making it a favourite among teams experiencing a successful season. Clubs like Leeds United, Sheffield United, Huddersfield and Portsmouth have famously made this chant their own during their times of triumph.
The chant’s significance in football culture
Football chants like ‘E-I-E-I-E-I-O’ do more than just fill the air with song; they symbolise unity, shared dreams, and collective memory.
This particular chant captures the essence of football’s competitive spirit – the relentless drive for promotion and the glory that awaits at the end of a hard-fought season.
Teams and their unique twists
Various clubs have put their unique spins on the chant, altering the lyrics to fit their team and managerial staff. The adaptability of the chant allows fans to personalise their experience and connect more deeply with their club’s journey.
You’ll usually hear the last two lines take on this twist, though they often reference the club and the manager. For example, as mentioned above, Huddersfield fans sang ‘We are Hudders, We are Hudders, And Wagner is our king’.
While – when Simon Grayson was at the helm – Leeds fans sang ‘We’re the champions, We’re the champions, Simon Grayson’s king’.
Another popular variation on the chant currently is Newcastle fans’ ‘Up the Premier League We Go’.
‘E-I-E-I-E-I-O Up the Football League We Go’ is not just a chant; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of English football.
As clubs continue to rise and fall in the Football League, this chant remains a timeless reminder of the joys and sorrows experienced in the pursuit of footballing success.